“Every dollar of revenue from the game of Powerball is dedicated to Foundation School fund, that’s public schools in Texas,” Grief says.

Last year, the Texas Lottery sent $1.2 billion to the Texas Education Agency. That sounds like a lot of money, but TEA spokesperson Debbie Ratcliffe says it’s important to put it in perspective.

“Our entire school system spends around $50 to 52 billion a year in all funds,” Ratcliffe says. “So the lottery essentially covers one week of operating our 8,000-plus public schools.”

Still, Ratcliffe adds, the TEA appreciates the money from lottery revenues. But, if the lottery doesn’t bring in as much revenue as expected, it doesn’t mean public schools will have less money. In that case, the state just pulls money from the general fund to make up the difference. Tonight’s huge Powerball jackpot – and the extra ticket sales – could mean a little more money for public schools. The Texas Lottery says Powerball has generated $70 million in revenue for the state since November – the last time someone hit the jackpot.